JOY
BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
+ sensational summer recipes learn more about joy to Life
l n intoat cool outdoor activities in alabama
Immediate Injury Treatment
Hello, everyone.
Happy Summer! As I sit down to write this editor’s letter for this summer issue of JOY, I can’t help but be filled with nostalgia. This issue brings back cherished memories of summers past spent with Dickie and our boys.
The articles in this edition take me back to simpler times that come with this season, relaxing and soaking in the beauty of nature. Summertime moments turned into memories that have stood the test of time.
I hope that as you flip through the pages of this issue, you too are filled with a sense of joy and nostalgia, and that it inspires you to embrace this time and create new memories for you and yours.
If you’re in need of some summer-fun suggestions—the exact kind of good times that create cherished memories —check out our guide to “glamping” all over the state. These special spots allow you to spend more time outdoors without totally roughing it. And use our list of Alabama lakeside towns worth exploring to plan a
relaxed weekend or packed day trip. We love highlighting our state’s most interesting places!
JOY
BRINGING ALABAMA TO LIFE
PUBLISHER
JTL Publishing
EDITOR
Joy Blondheim
MANAGING EDITOR
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay
ART DIRECTOR
Erika Rowe Tracy
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS
Joy Blondheim Editor & Co-Founder, Joy to Life Foundation
P.S. Don't forget to explore our past issues of JOY Magazine, which can be found at ourjoymagazine.org. You'll discover incredible and interesting locations in our state that you and your family will love to visit, plus uplifting profiles and healthy, delicious recipes. Wishing you health, happiness and joy to life!
Big Dreamz Creative
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sidney Fry, MS, RD Kym Klass
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay
COPY EDITOR
Jenny Stubbs
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Big Dreamz Creative
COVER CREATIVE & PHOTOGRAPHY
Nancy Fields/Big Dreamz Creative
COVER DESIGN
Erika Rowe Tracy
submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. Joy is not responsible for damage, loss or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts and/or unsolicited artwork. This includes, but is not limited to, drawings, photography, transparencies or any other unsolicited material. Joy does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial. The publishers do not assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Joy is a news magazine with information on health, leisure activities and a healthy lifestyle. Readers are advised to consult their physicians before participating in any sport or fitness activity or starting any exercise, dietary or nutritional program published in Joy
Photography by Big Dreamz
SCRUMP
BY SIDNEY FRY, MS, RD y PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY FIELDS/BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
SCRUMP TIOUS summer grilling super
This collection of recipes proves that nearly any food can be improved and elevated by the char and smoke of an open fire. From pork tenderloin to vegetables and even cheese—there are few things you can’t throw on a grill. Added bonus? That char and smoke doesn’t add calories, fat or even sugar to your recipe. All it takes to grill each of these is a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Let the smoke do the rest! Invite friends over and get outside and grill—the season won’t last forever!
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Green Goddess Sauce
SERVES 8
PORK
2 (1-pound) pork tenderloins
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
GREEN GODDESS SAUCE
1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise
1 cup parsley leaves
1 cup basil leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
1/4 cup minced chives
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 ripe avocado
SIMPLE GRILLED PORK GETS KICKED UP A NOTCH WITH THIS HERB-PACKED GREEN GODDESS, MADE EVEN MORE LEAN AND GREEN WITH RIPE AVOCADO.
DIRECTIONS:
To prepare pork, preheat grill to medium-high. Rub each tenderloin evenly in oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Let sit 45 minutes.
Place pork over direct heat on center of grate. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes. Move to cooler side of grill and continue to cook, until tenderloin reaches an internal
temperature of 140 F. Transfer pork to a cutting board; let rest 10 minutes.
To prepare sauce, combine mayo, parsley, basil, lemon juice, tarragon, chives, anchovy paste, salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse 2 times. Add avocado, process until smooth.
Slice pork; top with sauce.
Meet Sidney y
HSidney Fry is a two-time James-Beard-Award-winning food and nutrition writer who loves creating simple, healthy recipes and thoughtful, actionable content for the hungry consumer. A healthy living proactivist, Sidney is also a registered dietitian nutritionist, recipe developer and mama of three based in Birmingham, Alabama.
ADD SOME FLAME TO A FEW PIECES OF A FRENCH LOAF FOR A TASTY SIDE OF CRUNCH. yhy
Grilled Summer Halloumi Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
HALLOUMI IS THE ULTIMATE GRILLING CHEESE. YOU READ THAT RIGHT—IT’S A CHEESE YOU CAN THROW DIRECTLY ON THE GRILL! THE INSIDE MELTS INTO A DELICIOUS CREAMINESS WHILE THE OUTSIDE MAGICALLY SEARS UNTIL BROWN AND CRISP. IT’S THE PERFECT ADDITION TO A SUMMER SALAD, PASTAS, GRILLED VEGETABLE PLATES AND YES—EVEN THE CHEESE BOARD.
SERVES 8
VINAIGRETTE
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups packed basil leaves
SALAD
1 block halloumi cheese (8.8-ounce)
4 ears bi-color corn
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 cups arugula
4 cups butter lettuce
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 ripe avocado, sliced
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
DIRECTIONS:
To prepare vinaigrette, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, vinegar, garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, and basil in a mini food processor. Process until smooth.
To prepare salad, preheat grill to medium high. Slice halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices. Brush olive oil evenly over cheese and corn. Sprinkle corn with 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Place cheese and corn on direct heat over center of grate. Grill 2-3 minutes on each side until charred and grill marks appear.
Combine arugula and butter lettuce in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons basil vinaigrette; toss to coat. Top with tomatoes, avocado and bacon. Sprinkle with corn. Top with halloumi slices and drizzle with remaining dressing. Serve immediately.
You’ll never go back to another butter
Drizzle over grains or vegetables and smear it over crusty bread. If a drizzling consistency is preferred, whisk in a splash or two of water. This recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, crunchy, salty, sweet and irresistibly smoky.
Grilled Sweet Potato Steaks with Miso Tahini Butter
THE GRILL WORKS WONDERS ON A SWEET POTATO. IT TRANSFORMS THIS HUMBLE VEGETABLE BY CARAMELIZING THE NATURAL SUGARS AND INFUSING A ROBUST SMOKY FLAVOR. PLUS, IT LIGHTLY CRISPS UP THE SKIN FOR A DELIGHTFULLY CONTRASTING TEXTURE.
SERVES 8
MISO TAHINI BUTTER
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons miso paste
Freshly ground black pepper
1-2 tablespoons water (as needed)
SWEET POTATOES
3 large sweet potatoes, rinsed and scrubbed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat grill to medium high.
To prepare tahini butter, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, tahini, butter, lemon juice, miso and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency has been reached. (The tahini mixture may thicken as it sits.)
To prepare sweet potatoes, cut ends off potatoes. Carefully cut potatoes lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick planks.
Drizzle evenly with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Place potatoes over direct heat on center of grate. Grill sweet potatoes 7-8 minutes each side or until fork-tender and lightly charred on the outside.
Transfer to serving platter. Drizzle or smear with tahini butter; sprinkle with feta cheese and walnuts.
Joy to Life, based in Montgomery, supports all 67 counties in the state through the Alabama Department of Public Health. Services provided include the following:
WHAT SERVICES DOES JOY TO LIFE COVER?
ABOUT OUR FUNDING:
Joy to Life depends on the sale of our pink car tag for funding and our annual Walk of Life event along with any available grants, but, most importantly, Joy to Life relies on donations from individuals and businesses to continue providing the life-saving work needed in Alabama.
Mammograms & Ultrasounds
Surgery & Biopsies
Physician
Consults & Specialists
Read more about Joy to Life's impact on page 18.
Follow-Ups
FUNDING IN PART PROVIDED THROUGH A GRANT FROM AMERICAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION.
When you consider the costs* of JTL’s range of direct-pay services and the number of patients these services are provided to, it really adds up, underscoring the value of its life-saving work and the need for continued support from fundraising:
DIRECT PAY SERVICES PROVIDED:
Ultrasounds ($285 - $1000)
Mammograms ($600 - $1800)
Surgeon - Biopsies (includes various types)
($1000 - $20,000)
Radiologists to read results ($100 - $400)
Anesthetist ($600 - $1000)
Physician Consult ($250 - $500)
Follow-ups ($250 - $500)
*These costs are discounted somewhat for JTL and the costs range widely depending on the provider and location. On average, JTL pays $500 - $800 for services per person and more when the need is greater.
NEED HELP?
If you, or someone you know, needs support for breast services, read below for how to receive help from Joy to Life.
The process for receiving assistance includes:
Patient is directed to go to a federal clinic for help in their county when they call JTL.
If a lump is found, then a nurse makes the call to JTL for assistance.
They inform JTL of the actions/ cost that need to be taken & submit invoices for payment.
Depending on results of test(s), payment for more treatments/ services will be requested.
If diagnosed with cancer, the patient is moved to Medicaid to take over payments.
JOY TO LIFE paid for over $350,000 breast health services that included women from teenagers to 49 years of age and men from 19 to 90. (Women 50 and over are covered by medicare.)
YOUR 2023 SUPPORT MADE AN IMPACT
IN ALABAMA
Stage 1 breast cancer is considered earlystage, localized cancer and is highly treatable and survivable. Early detection is saving lives.
Joy to Life partners with over 100 medical facilities throughout Alabama to fund all types of breast health services directly including mammograms, biopsies & ultrasounds.
2023 WALK OF LIFE raised $186,963.47 – funding for 1,206 mammograms
# of mammograms provided since 2008 – OVER 100,000 #LIVEHEREGIVEHERE
REAL
LIFE STORIES FROM PARTICIPANTS:
I was at the dentist getting a cleaning, and the hygienist asked, "Was I employed?" I said, “Joy to Life Foundation,” and she very excitedly said, “Oh, that’s the foundation that helped me!” She explained that when she moved to Montgomery a few years ago, she had no family nor did she have insurance. An acquaintance suggested she call Joy to Life. She took that advice, and was able to get a mammogram and other screenings free of charge. She said she’d never forget Joy to Life. The best part of this story is she was able to hear that there was no cancer present!
- Evelyn Lawson, JTL Staff Member
JTL was participating in a student awareness fair at a local school along with several other businesses. A woman from one of the other businesses came to our table to thank us for helping her mother get the breast screenings she so desperately needed, but did not have the financial means or insurance to pay for it. She said, “Without Joy to Life, we were not sure what would have happened, or where we would have gone for help.” Today, her mother is fine! She noted what we know: “Early detection was the key!”
YOU DO IT CAN
“Putting
up” summer’s fresh fruits and veggies lets you savor the delights of the season longer. Canning is making a comeback, and it’s time you learned how to make it happen.
Fresh fruit can equal fresh jams and jellies year round. Come winter, the rewards will be sweet.
Summer produce doesn't have to pass with the season. Preserve fresh flavors for months to come.
Most of us eat our fill of fresh produce when it’s at its peak, but those with foresight place a little bit to the side and “put it up” by canning it, to enjoy long after green vines and tender leaves are withered and gone.
Canning is a method of preserving food by heating it in airtight containers at incredibly high temperatures for a certain period of time. This kills microorganisms and disables enzymes that could cause the food to spoil. And canning’s specific heating process also creates a vacuum seal as the food cools, preventing those microorganisms from re-contaminating the food.
Properly canned foods can be stored at room temperature, letting you fill your pantry with home-canned pickles, preserves, jams and jellies, putting the goodness of summer’s flavor and freshness at your fingertips all year long. It’s not complicated, but following directions is key.
PICKLE AWAY:
Canning isn't just for the sweet stuff. Pickle produce to garnish winter dishes and appetizer boards all year long. Our favorite is undoubtedly pickled red onions.
WHAT TO CAN:
Choose your favorite garden-fresh vegetables and fruits and can them when they’re in season to make your canning efforts both time and cost-effective.
WHY CAN FOODS?
IT CUTS DOWN ON FOOD WASTE.
If you’ve got a whole bunch of ripe veggies and fruits, you either have to eat them quick, freeze them or can them. Canning lets you store them at room temperature and eliminates the risk of freezer burn. Most canned foods can also be stored longer than frozen foods.
IT’S
HEALTHY.
You can control exactly what and how much of it goes into your preserved foods. Some amount of salt and/or sugar is usually called for in canning, but you can use the bare minimum amount.
THERE ARE LOTS OF OPTIONS.
You can preserve veggies close to their natural state, letting you choose what you want to add and how to cook them when you use them later. You can make fruits (and even some veggies like tomatoes and peppers) into sweet jellies and jams. The combos are almost endless here, and you can get really creative. You can go the other direction and turn almost anything (including fruits) into a savory, salty pickle. Definitely venture beyond the cucumber!
IT KEEPS SUMMER GOING ALL YEAR LONG.
Imagine enjoying some soft, sun-kissed peaches in January. That’s not going to happen unless you canned some. Or buy some frozen or factorycanned peaches. But you CAN do it yourself, and it will probably save money and yield a tastier product.
GET GOING:
TOP TIP FOR TOMATOES
There are two basic canning methods and which you use will depend on what you’re putting up.
1 2
If you’re looking to can lowacidic foods that you’re not adding sugar, salt or vinegar to, you’ll need to use the pressure method to keep bacteria at bay and ensure the food stays safe.
If you’re making jams or pickling something (therefore adding acid to the produce), you can go with the easier boiling-water method, which also requires less specialized equipment and is a great way for novice canners to dip their toes in the (hot!) water.
Find detailed instructions for both methods along with a wealth of other canning and preserving information at the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s website (nchfp.uga.edu). Follow their directions and your recipe precisely.
Canning does preserve foods longer, but not forever, so remember to label your newly canned goods with the date they were made so you can eat them while they’re still good.
Canning tomatoes for pasta sauce or salsa? You’ll likely want to remove the skins, and here’s a neat trick to make this fast and easy. Place tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for no more than one minute, then plunge them into a bowl of ice-cold water. The skins should slide right off.
spend the night under the stars
CAMP SUMMER COUNTS
BY KYM KLASS
Summer sleepaway camps offer more than carefree days filled with fun. The lessons campers bring back home can set them up for success in multiple areas.
For many kids, nothing beats tossing a school bag into a closet for the summer and heading outdoors with friends to swim, ride bikes, or even toss a football around for the afternoon. There is a freedom in play.
Add overnight camps into the mix and the stakes just increase: The kids not only play, but boost their self-confidence, develop new skills and build character and resilience. It’s an opportunity for children of all ages to learn how to problem-solve, how to interact with new and diverse people and most importantly, make lifelong friends.
Every year, about 26 million children attend both day and overnight summer camps, according to the American Camp Association, which states, “Camp provides children with a community of caring adults who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value… For years, campers’ parents have reported that when their children return home from camp, they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible.”
At YMCA Camp Chandler in Wetumpka, Zach Johnson, Program Director of Resident and Day Camp, has seen benefits from both sides: from his own experiences at overnight camp and the children he works with today. “A lot of people write it off—that it’s just summer camp,” he said. “But everyone here tells everyone, ‘You don’t fully understand unless you’re here.’”
Johnson grew up at Camp Chandler, starting at age 5 when he first set foot onto the camp’s property. Those first three years, he said, he was shy, scared, nervous. But it became a home away from home for him during what he described as a difficult time. “It has given so much to me,” he said. “Camp was my safe place. I wasn’t mentally or emotionally well, and I felt like I had to hide everything. Camp provided a place to be loved. Emotionally and mentally, I was leaps and bounds better at camp.”
FULL CIRCLE
EVERY YEAR, ABOUT 26 MILLION CHILDREN ATTEND BOTH DAY AND OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMPS,
The mental benefits of overnight camps are plenty: human connection, a break from social media, time away from phones and tablet screens, an immersion in nature, and a temporary separation from parents.
to not just individuals your age, but also to the counselors and the camp family—the parents and dads of camp—having that in-person, intensive social environment is significant.”
THE BENEFIT OF OVERNIGHT CAMP
BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE:
According to American Summer Camps, “Camp is the most highly social setting available, especially when contrasted to the numerous virtual experiences our children get at home. Being able to be out of the house all the time, living with other people, and feeling so much more connected
And the increased physical activity level of camp is a plus for overall health and mental health, too. ASC states, “Even children who are resistive to exercise and avoid sports are extremely active at camp— and, as studies often remind us, exercise helps battle sadness, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.”
Camp Grandview in Millbrook was founded as a girl’s overnight camp in 1924 and has offered day camps since the late 1980s.
Social and emotional growth are two of the most important takeaways of camp, said its director Bill Myers. “They [campers] are making friends that they will have for a lifetime,” he said. “When you see a kid afraid to jump off a ‘lake blob tower,’ and there are 30 of his or her peers cheering them on, and encouraging them and fostering that growth, that’s pretty rewarding, and touching, to see. And, that teaches teamwork, and how to interact with their peers going forward.”
Being away from home provides children the chance to learn to rely on themselves and develop independence. Children will have the opportunity to take on new responsibilities, try new activities and meet new people. All of these experiences can help them to feel more confident and self-assured, both at camp and in their everyday lives.
DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS:
Overnight camps offer a wide range of activities, from traditional camping pursuits like hiking and canoeing to more specialized offerings such as rock climbing, horseback riding and water sports. Whether they are trying a new sport, learning to play an instrument, or mastering a new craft, children will be challenged and encouraged to push themselves to their limits.
BUILDING CHARACTER AND RESILIENCE:
Being away from home for an extended period requires children to be adaptable and flexible, qualities that will serve them well throughout their lives. Children will also learn to be more self-sufficient, to problem solve and to take care of themselves in new and challenging situations.
(Source: The Camp Experts & Teen Summers Advisory Service)
THE GREAT DOORS IN
Get back to nature with (most of) the comforts of home at these glamping spots around Alabama.
HAPPY GLAMPERS
“Glamping,” a marriage of “glamour” and “camping,” is becoming a popular way to enjoy the great outdoors. While the two words might not seem to have any business being uttered together, much less actually combining, with glamping’s use of heavy tents covering wood floors and containing real beds with soft bedding, chairs, fans, stylish décor touches and even wi-fi, the mix is a happy marriage.
Timberline
4 Alabama Glamping Getaways
If you like the idea of getting closer to nature but not the idea of sleeping with nothing between you and the cold, hard ground but a few layers of fabric and an even thinner layer of tent between you and whatever wonders of the woods roam around after dark, then Alabama’s glamping resorts and their rustic luxury are for you. Each welcomes those who want to truly unplug and relax without sacrificing comfort.
is a glamping company with locations around the South, including several in Alabama state parks. You can rest your head in a Timberline tent at Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Cheaha State Park in Delta, Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Lake Guntersville State Park on Lake Guntersville and Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin.
Photography by Kali Ann Lisk.
Extras & ParkSpecific Perks
All the Alabama Timberline glamping resorts provide access to the hiking and wildlife watching of their state-park surroundings, but just as each park is distinct, each Timberline location has unique aspects too.
Lake Guntersville & Lake Martin:
+ Add paddle board or canoe rentals to your reservation.
Lake Guntersville:
+ Don’t miss the fishing opportunities and the zipline.
Monte Sano
+ Check out the planetarium.
All locations:
+ Request s’mores kits and games like cornhole to be added to your tent.
Accommodations & Amenities
Each Timberline location offers spacious, thick-canvas safari tents.
Inside:
• Varying bed-size combos, like a king and two bunks or two queens
• Wood floors
• AC and heating
• Benches and bedside tables with lamps
• Mini-fridge
• Coffee-maker
• Electrical outlets
• Ceiling fan
• Wi-fi
• Rugs and blankets
Outside:
•
deep deck with Adirondack chairs
• Hammocks
•
fire ring with cooking grate
Photography by Kali Ann Lisk.
Photography by Carla Lawrence.
Photography courtesy of Sweet Home Alabama.
Extras & Perks
At the resort’s center is an outdoor stage that often hosts live music events.
Optional add-ons:
+ A private dinner in the on-site lodge’s wine cellar
+ In-tent spa treatments
Photography by Eloise Design Co.
Photography by Eloise Design Co.
The Destination Resort
This spot sits on 70 wooded acres alongside Sandy Creek (so named for its light-colored soft-sand bottom creating clear waters) that flows into nearby Lake Martin.
Even though it’s an attractive amenity when glamping, there’s really no reason to use much electricity. Instead, sit on your deck and soak up the quiet that’s only occasionally broken by a chirp or hum or the rustle of leaves. While you’ll hope for sunshine during your visit, a late evening shower is a treat. Rain drops landing soft but solid on your roof make a plinking, plunking music that’ll lull you right to sleep.
Accommodations & Amenities
Four large, thick-canvas safari tents, each with a unique theme and décor.
Inside:
• Kitchens outfitted with sinks, microwave, fridge and plates, cups and utensils
• Full climate control
• Private baths with showers
• Electrical outlets
Outside:
• Surrounding deck complete with outdoor couches and chairs
• Gas grills
• Hot tub sunken into the deck
ReTreet
Accommodations & Amenities
Six glamping tents but also tiny cottages and treehouses, all situated to ensure seclusion and privacy.
The Outpost
Tucked into the maritime forest of Gulf State Park and accessed by The Hugh S. Branyon Backcoutry Trail, The Outpost experience is more posh than traditional camping but more primitive than the state’s other glamping options.
Accommodations & Amenities
Military-style tents, elevated above the sand
Inside:
• Wood floors
• Cots
• No electricity
Outside:
• A sink with running water
• Firewood
• Shared bathrooms and showers
Extras & Perks
A state park full of amenities for all ages.
Options
include:
+ Explore more than three miles of white sand beaches
+ Hike a selection of nature trails
+ Cool off in the park pool or splash pad
+ Catch a game on one of the athletic courts
SPLASH MOUNTAIN
When it opened in July 2023, Montgomery Whitewater made big waves, bringing the thrills and (sometimes) spills of whitewater sports to Alabama’s capital city. The 120acre outdoor recreation and entertainment complex sits beside the Alabama River on the edge of downtown, and its wet and wild paddling rides promise peak outdoor experiences. Twelve million gallons of water continually recirculate through two manmade, pumped whitewater channels, creating more than 310,000 square feet of “river” roiling with roller-coaster-like class II-IV rapids. The Adventure Channel is set up to be more approachable and beginner friendly, while still offering enough action to entice those with paddling experience to steer a kayak, inflatable kayak or un-guided raft down it. The Olympic-standard Competition Channel is more challenging and designed to wow expert paddlers as well as host competitive events. Guided rafting trips are available on both channels. Other attractions include a restaurant and bar overlooking the Competition Channel, trails alongside both channels, multiple greenspaces, plus an area to host its full calendar of outdoor concerts.
montgomerywhitewater.com
Images courtesy of Montgomery Whitewater.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Enjoy a picnic and a day of running, skipping and playing at Blount Cultural Park, one of the River Region’s biggest and prettiest green spaces. With its gentle hills and expanses of grassland, it’s reminiscent of the English countryside and houses the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. While you’re there, visit the Museum’s John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden, an alfresco art space featuring two-acres of outdoor rooms filled with both temporary and permanent sculpture installations, soothing water features and even an intimate nook called The Secret Garden. mmfa.org
Fields
of green and pretty ponds give Blount Cultural Park a natural side to enjoy. Don't miss MMFA's outdoor sculpture garden.
Images courtesy of MMFA.
UNDERGROUND EXPLORE
DEEP DISCOVERY
Some of Alabama’s most awe-inspiring landscapes are underground, and at Cathedral Caverns State Park in northeast Alabama, you can marvel at just a few of them. The aptly named caverns’ 125-foot-wide, 25-foot-tall entrance leads you to geological formations created slowly, over eons. Cave tours are offered daily and help guests uncover treasures like Mystery River, Big Rock Canyon, The Frozen Waterfall and Stalagmite Mountain. Cathedral Caverns is especially appealing this time of year: You can enjoy being in the great outdoors yet avoid summer’s sweltering heat since the cave is a cool and comfy 60 degrees all year long. Similar experiences await at Rickwood Caverns State Park, just north of Birmingham. Venture 175 feet into the earth to marvel at the sharp points and gentle curves of its 260-million-year-old formations. Back topside, take a refreshing dip in the park’s pool fed by chilled waters from the cave.
Hop into Rickwood Caverns' spring-fed pool.
HIT THE ROAD
Alabama is dotted with some great lakes, but venture beyond the water for some “worth-it” in-town experiences.
BY JENNIFER S. KORNEGAY
Alabama’s lakes reel-in visitors by the thousands. They come to swim, boat, fish and just soak in the scenery. But the cities and towns that rest on their banks also have a lot to offer. Next time you’re enjoying one of our state’s great lakes, take some time to dive into the activities, attractions, eats and drinks waiting in their waterside communities too.
MAKE YOUR WAY TO
LEAVE LAKE GUNTERSVILLE
Created when the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) damned the Tennessee River in the 1930s, Lake Guntersville represents the Southern terminus of the river. Today, the lake is home to the 6,000-acre Lake Guntersville Resort State Park, as well as numerous fishing competitions and scores of waterfront vacation homes along its 950 miles of shoreline. Two towns—Guntersville and Scottsboro—are cozied up to the shores of this 69,000-acre shimmering gem, and each boasts its own charms.
SEE & DO
Start at the Guntersville Museum, housed in an early 20th century Works Progress Act armory at one end of Main Street and peruse its wealth of artifacts that outline the rich history of the region. Exhibits chronicle the Native American heritage of the area, from the first humans to inhabit it up to the Creeks who were removed via The Trail of Tears; the story of the TVA dam that formed the lake; works by nationally renowned watercolor artist Frank Nelson; and natural history through a collection of native birds preserved by a self-taught taxidermist in the 1920s.
Indulge in some retail therapy downtown at Bakers on Main, a flea-market setup with individual booths selling whimsical original art, vintage kitchen tools, woodworking, artisan jewelry, kids’ clothes and more. Fant’s Mercantile has hunting gear, furniture, clothes, toys, home décor and gift items, all inside its massive wood-floored space, which calls to mind yesteryear’s general stores.
EAT & DRINK
Start the day right with breakfast from Homecoming and Company, where chef and owner Jessica Hanners whips up what she calls “eclectic Southern” cuisine with a focus on fresh and clean. Buckwheat pancakes sweetened with mashed bananas, the Warm Hug (a biscuit enrobed in chocolate gravy) and Green Eggs and Ham (a bowl of grits, silky collards, country ham and scrambled eggs crowned with a fried onion ring) are best sellers. At lunchtime, Café 336, which is part of Bakers
on Main, tempts hungry shoppers with flaky chickensalad stuffed croissants and the Figgy Piggy panini, a melty mashup of ham, sweettart fig spread, and muenster and Colby Jack cheeses on sourdough. Whatever you eat, wash it down with an ice-cold glass of Towne Tea Punch, a sweet, refreshing blend of tea, orange and lime juices with a hint of vanilla. Before you leave, check out the local suds, too. Enjoy an ice-cold selection at the taproom of the Main Channel craft brewery.
Images courtesy of Homecoming and Company.
SEE & DO
More than 1 million visitors a year flock to find treasures at Unclaimed Baggage, a store that sells the contents of forever-lost luggage at discount prices. This huge store covers more than a city block and stocks more than 7,000 items daily (everything from cameras and designer duds to fine jewelry), usually priced at 20-80 percent off retail value.
You can also search for old, odd and just plain interesting items at Scottsboro Trade Days. One of the country’s longest-running trade days, these marketplace/ rummage sale events have been held for more than 100 years on weekends around the city’s Courthouse Square and have expanded to include themed events, like an arts fair and BBQ fest.
EAT & DRINK
Wait for sunset and head to the deck facing shimmering Lake Guntersville at The Docks at Goose Pond Colony. With a “come-as-you-are” philosophy, this waterfront eatery feels casual, but the menu reads like one in a white-table-cloth establishment, featuring oysters Rockefeller, Thai barbecue pork medallions, pan-seared crab cakes and specials like prime rib.
Images courtesy of Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
MAKE YOUR WAY TO
LEAVE LAKE MARTIN
With even a casual glance at a map of Alabama, a blue oak-leaf shape with multiple feathery fingers stands out in state’s central section. It’s Lake Martin, once the largest manmade body of water in the country. While it no longer holds that distinction, it boasts almost 900 miles of shoreline and more than 40,000 acres of water. With this huge footprint, the lake is a factor in the livelihoods and lifestyles of several neighboring Alabama cities and communities. Among
those, Alexander City is the largest. And it’s proud of its lakeshore location, there’s more than water making this friendly little town a wonderful place to visit or live.
SEE & DO
Explore Alexander City’s charming downtown. Streets are bustling as shoppers visit a range of restaurants and stores. Float over to Cloud Nine boutique for flirty blouses and dresses, perfect lake and pool bags, sandals, jewelry and more. Block off some time to check out The Square, a large
space with multiple small retail booths (ladies’ and kids’ clothes, home goods and décor) and a cute café. And check the calendar: each summer, the community comes together to put on Jazz Fest that’s been running for 33 years and attracts thousands with its live concerts from jazz, blues and rock acts in downtown’s Strand Park on Friday night and more music under the stars on Saturday night at the Lake Martin amphitheater.
EAT & DRINK
Occupying a prominent corner building
downtown, Carlisle’s is housed in the space that was once Carlisle Drug Co., which opened in 1914. Carlisle’s still has the original place’s oldtimey marble-countered soda fountain and serves many of the same treats, like milkshakes, malts, limeade, floats and ice-cream sundaes. Sandwiches, hot dogs, salads and soups are also on the menu. If you’re after heartier fare, grab a table at Jake’s. On the main drag downtown, this family-owned eatery is known for steaks, seafood and a relaxed, fun vibe.
Photography by Griffin Harris, Meacham Marketing Co.
MAKE YOUR WAY TO
LEAVE LAKE EUFAULA
The 45,000-acre Lake Eufaula and is renowned for its angling opportunities; thanks to a large quantity of big bass routinely pulled from its waters, it’s been called “the Bass Capital of the World.” But the city of Eufaula lures people off the water with its hospitality and rich heritage.
SEE & DO
Ogle opulent mansions, charming cottages and everything in between gracing the streets of the Seth Lore-Irwinton Historic District, which holds some of the state’s most elegant and historic houses, many still in such good condition it seems they were plucked right out of the past. One of the most well-preserved cities in the South, Eufaula is home to 700 historically significant buildings and houses, with 20 on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located on the main drag leading into town, the gleaming white, columned façade of the 1884 Shorter
Mansion is a trafficstopper. The city’s unofficial architectural ambassador is also the headquarters for the Eufaula Heritage Association, and it, along with the Italianate-style Fendall Hall, are open for tours year-round.
Downtown, hunt for local treasures at Cotton & Kudzu, a combo floral shop and art gallery. Take home a one-of-akind piece by an area artist or artisan, like a brightly hued floral painting created by shop owner Laura Cutchen. And score the perfect gift at Southern Charm, also downtown, which is packed with candles, throw pillows, tableware and more.
The Yoholo-Micco Trail, accessed at the edge of downtown, is a 2.5-mile, paved trail named for a Creek Indian chief and built over an old railroad bed. Hidden gems include a waterfall, nesting bald eagles and a cemetery dotted with headstones chiseled in Hebrew and dating back to the early 1800s. The section traversing an old railroad bridge offers an unimpeded view of Lake Eufaula.
EAT & DRINK
There’s nothing fancy about the Donut King, but the variety of glazed, iced and filled snacks you’ll find in this Eufaula favorite are fit for royalty. The strawberry glazed donut always earns rave reviews, but the fluffy, sugary cinnamon twist also deserves a crown. At lunch, feast on soulfood standards like fried catfish, mac ‘n cheese and black-eyed peas and at Thelma’s Kitchen II.
Images courtesy of Cotton & Kudzu.
S i L E N C E
Ending the of Endometriosis
Women dealing with endometriosis often suffer for years before they’re diagnosed. But as medical professionals learn and understand more about it, the mystery is being solved more often.
BY KYM KLASS
Endometriosis is sometimes referred to as a “silent” disease because it can be mistaken for the abdominal pain associated with menstrual cramps. And sometimes, there are no symptoms at all.
The disease causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus and is a condition women in the United States can suffer from for up to 10 years before receiving a proper diagnosis. Affecting one in 10 women, endometriosis is often found in women who report chronic pelvic pain and is a disease that affects up to 50 percent of women who are infertile, according to Yale Medicine.
Women who do not experience pain are diagnosed only if a doctor notices abnormal tissue during a different procedure, such as a tubal sterilization, according to Yale, and the only way to know for sure is to conduct a laparoscopic surgical procedure in which a small telescope is inserted inside the abdomen through an incision on the belly button.
Affects 1 in 10 women
This allows the physician to observe and surgically remove the endometriosis if necessary.
Endometriosis is not preventable and is most commonly diagnosed in women ages 25 to 40 (although it can start at a person’s first cycle and not end until menopause), with some symptoms including excessive menstrual cramps, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow and pain during intercourse. In addition to the severe pain in the pelvis it can cause, it can also make it harder to become pregnant. Symptoms often improve after menopause, but not always.
While many studies suggest the cause of endometriosis is unknown, it remains a complex disease with different factors thought to contribute to its development. According to the World Health Organization, these include:
• Retrograde menstruation is when menstrual blood containing endometrial cells flows back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity at the time that blood is flowing out of the body through the cervix and vagina during periods. Retrograde menstruation can result in endometrial-like cells being deposited outside the uterus where they can implant and grow.
• Cellular metaplasia is when cells change from one form to another. Cells outside the uterus change into endometrial-like cells and start to grow.
In addition to pain, some women also experience:
• heavy bleeding during periods or between periods
• trouble getting pregnant
• bloating or nausea
• fatigue
• depression or anxiety
A healthcare provider will help create a treatment plan for endometriosis based on a few factors, and in many cases, a treatment plan will focus primarily on managing pain and improving fertility issues (if planning on a future pregnancy), according to the Cleveland Clinic, and can be done through medications and surgery.
Women in the United States can suffer from endometriosis for up to 10 years before receiving a proper diagnosis.
Endometriosis is not preventable and is most commonly diagnosed in women ages 25 to 40.
Getto K n o w :odnE
• Endometriosis affects roughly 10 percent (190 million) of reproductive age women and girls globally.
• It is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility.
• There is currently no known cure for endometriosis, and treatment is usually aimed at controlling symptoms.
• Access to early diagnosis and effective treatment of endometriosis is important, but is limited in many settings, including in low- and middleincome countries.
(Source: World Health Organization)
Risk Factors:
• Never giving birth
• Starting your period at an early age
• Going through menopause at an older age
• Short menstrual cycles—for instance, less than 27 days
• Heavy menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
• Having higher levels of estrogen in your body or a greater lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces
• Low body mass index
• One or more relatives with endometriosis, such as a mother, aunt or sister
(Source: Mayo Clinic)
Treatment
Treatments to manage endometriosis can vary based on the severity of symptoms and whether pregnancy is desired.
• No treatments cure the disease.
• Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics (painkillers) like ibuprofen and naproxen are often used to treat pain.
• Hormonal medicines like GnRH-analogues and contraceptive (birth control) methods can also help control pain.
(Source: World Health Organization)
Dedicated to Your Child’s Digestive Health
If your child has symptoms of a digestive disorder, the most comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services are now offered by Baptist Health Gastroenterology Partners—Pediatrics.
Whether your child has a simple, everyday concern or a more complex issue, we provide expert care close to home to help your child overcome gastrointestinal disorders and keep them healthy for life.
Conditions Treated
Gastrointestinal
Conditions
Nutrition Disorders
Upper Endoscopies
Colonoscopies
Polypectomies
Foreign Body Extractions
Liver Disease
Our Provider
Welcome Dr. Ana Coronado
Board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Coronado is a member of the North American Society of Pediatrics Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
